AoT Leiden, Monday July 31 @ Grand Café de Burcht

Our next edition will take place on Monday 31 July at 20h in Grand Cafe De Burcht (Burgsteeg 14, 2312 JS Leiden). Join us for an evening of informal astronomy and great beer! This edition is titled “Space Brewery“! The event will feature two professional astronomer speakers as well as games and quizzes:

– Pablo Castellanos Nash performs laboratory experiments and simulations on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – a family of large molecules observed all over the universe. These molecules carry a large amount of all the carbon in the universe, the same carbon that is the basis of life on Earth. In this talk he will tell us about the first molecules detected in space and the history of the development of laboratories that help the astronomers understand their observations.

– Kirstin Doney studies molecules that are very relevant for astrophysics, like acetylene (which is a common flame/welding chemical). In her studies she also predicts which other molecules could form and live in space, such studies aim to help astronomers detect new molecules. In this talk, she will give an overview of current laboratory work in determining how “complex” molecules, like the ones needed to make beer, are believed to be formed in space.

– In between the talks, there will be fun astronomical games and quizzes! Use this opportunity to improve your astronomical knowledge or just show off to your friends!